It’s the most wonderful time of the year — sweet summertime!
Is there anything better than the vitamin D boost that summer brings us? Fresh produce, lazy days, and 9 p.m. sunsets are just a few things that make this such a wonderful season!
If you are like me, you probably like to use the summer season and extra daylight to spruce up your home.
Don’t worry; the ideas I am sharing with you will be easy peasy, lemon squeezy — and hopefully make it easier to enjoy your home throughout the hot summer months.
• Clear the clutter: Now is the time to get rid of any extra stuff that you have accumulated during those hectic Spring months.
Clutter adds to a more chaotic feel in your home decor so if you aren’t using it or don’t need it, it is time to let it go!
Do one room a day over a week or so and you will be amazed at the difference the de-cluttering does to your space.
Your house will feel more spacious, easier to clean, and is ready for some extra touches of decor.
• Add a splash of color: Before you do this, you must go to step one of this column.
If you don’t declutter first, any decorations you add will simply add to the clutter!
Even if you do not have a huge budget for this, try to add one or two new summer items to your home decor.
I like a summer welcome mat or wreath for my door to add a pop of summer color that I can enjoy all season.
• Lighten the mood: Summer means light and airy — so if you have heavy or dark drapes, pillows or blankets, consider swapping them out for bright colors, sheer drapes, and neutral throw blankets.
It will give your house a beachy and relaxed feel that is perfect for those hot days when you need to relax and unwind in a cool and comfortable space!
If your budget allows for it, don’t forget to swap out those heavy comforters for lighter linen duvets and bedspreads.
• Bring Vacation Home: One of the reasons I love summer so much is that it is the one time of year that my family gets away for a week of together time.
We have a vacation bin full of pictures and mementos from our trip — and I love to bring them out each summer to feel like we are back on those trips all over again.
You can designate a family corner in a common area such as a living room and change it out each season.
I love to swap out our summer beach and Disney memories for our Trick-or-Treat and Santa photos in other seasons.
While you are at it, look at ways to swap out your artwork for more whimsical, bright decor.
I tend to stop seeing artwork that has been on my walls for ages and am truly amazed at the new vibe I get when I swap things out for a season.
An easy and affordable way to do this is with those family photos- trade out the framed family photo in front of the Christmas tree for a summer vacation photo of your crew looking tanned and beachy!
• Scents-Able Seasons: The other day as I was cleaning the bathroom, I noticed that the cleaner I was using was decidedly wintry.
While I do love that balsam scent when I am decking the halls, it hits a bit different when the trees are blooming outside my window!
An easy way to “summer-ize” your home is to add some summer scents — that can be candles, diffusers, scented oils, wax plug-ins or cleaning supplies.
I love to add some of my favorite essential oils to my spray bottles, too.
Some summer scents that will help you feel the vibe include coconut, honeysuckle, sandalwood, lemon and bamboo.
• Easy Accents: The next time you are on vacation, look at the decorative touches at your hotel resort or summer rental.
What accents do they use to make you feel immersed in the magic?
You can bring those home for the season and add them to tabletops, mantels, and cabinets for an easy and affordable taste of summer.
Depending on your vibe, it can be a few silk flowers (think hibiscus or peony), a summer hat, anchors, free printable art, seashells, and driftwood or just some fresh fruit.
Top it off with a layer of clear twinkle lights because, well, who doesn’t feel a little happier with some twinkle lights in their life?
(Editor’s Note: Kristine George is a freelance journalist who resides in Easton.)